Episodes

  • Nearly half of Long Islanders support slowing the development of large data centers

    Nearly half of Long Islanders support slowing the development of large data centers
    Jun 30 2026
    Nearly half of Long Islanders support slowing the development of large data centers, according to the results of a Newsday/Siena Research Institute poll, which highlighted growing concerns among New Yorkers.Data centers house the physical infrastructure for data storage, and technology giants say they are vital to the growing use of artificial intelligence.The poll found 47% of Long Islanders back a bill passed by the State Legislature on June 4 that would put a one-year pause on the permitting of large data centers. One in three, about 34%, said they were either in the middle, didn’t know enough or refused to answer the question. About 19% of Long Islanders said they thought a moratorium is bad for New York.Statewide, the results mirrored those on Long Island with 46% of New Yorkers saying a moratorium would be good for the state, 21% saying it would be bad, and 33% saying they were in the middle, didn’t know or refused to answer, according to the poll."Communities that are making this decision are focused on this. You’re weighing jobs, energy uses, the effect on water," Don Levy, executive director of the Siena Research Institute, told Newsday. Underneath those concerns is the question about AI and whether people feel it is going to be beneficial or they are threatened by it, he said.The Newsday poll was done in conjunction with the Siena Research Institute between June 17 and 23 among 412 registered voters on Long Island. The margin of error was 6.1%, meaning answers may vary by that amount. The regional survey was taken as a subsection of a statewide Siena poll that surveyed 1,120 voters and has a margin of error of 3.6%Keshia Clukey reports in NEWSDAY that the poll comes as hundreds of large-scale data centers are popping up around the country and municipalities across the state and Long Island weigh the benefits and potential negative impacts of the centers on their communities. A large-scale data center is being proposed in Yaphank in Suffolk County.Developers have touted the need for data centers, as well as the community investment and jobs they bring, largely through the construction of the facilities.But there are growing concerns over their massive energy consumption and use of water for cooling purposes, which put pressure on infrastructure, increase utility rates and raise questions surrounding environmental impact.If the bill is signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul, New York would be the first state to put a moratorium on the development of more large-scale data centers.Jennifer Fowkes, 58, of East Hampton, told Newsday she is "really grateful" to the legislature for passing a moratorium. "There’s so much fear, misinformation, misunderstanding," said the Democrat who participated in the poll.Fowkes said the issue needs to be studied and expressed particular concern over the impact on water use and quality because Suffolk County sits on a sole source aquifer. "I don't think a year is long enough," she said, but "it’s a great start."The question on data centers particularly "stands out," because one-third of respondents statewide and on Long Island say either they are torn, or they don’t have enough knowledge to have an opinion, Levy said. "Certainly, to whatever extent this is a political issue, they could be wooed."***A federal judge yesterday dismissed the complaint challenging New York’s Even Year Election Law, throwing out the governmental plaintiffs’ claims with prejudice, while allowing the remaining non-governmental plaintiffs an opportunity to file a new complaint.Denise Civiletti reports on Riverheadlocal.com that in a sharply worded 22-page decision, U.S. District Judge Gary R. Brown on Monday ruled that the remaining government plaintiffs could not pursue the federal constitutional claims, concluding they were barred by the prior state-court litigation, lacked standing and had no cause of action under the federal civil rights statute known as Section 1983.Barring further relief in the case, the ruling means Riverhead’s 2026 supervisor election is expected to proceed under the Even Year Election Law, with voters electing a supervisor this November to a two-year term that will align the town’s election cycle with even-numbered years.Judge Brown questioned the propriety of municipal governments participating in the litigation alongside partisan political organizations, calling government spending on the lawsuit "troubling," since there was lack of "evident injury" suffered by the government plaintiffs, citing RiverheadLOCAL’s reporting on more than $1.6 million in taxpayer-funded legal fees.Judge Brown granted the state’s motion to dismiss the Amended Complaint, dismissing the remaining governmental plaintiffs’ claims with prejudice. He also dismissed with prejudice the claims against the State of New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul and the New York State Board of Elections.Thus, government plaintiffs - Suffolk County and Huntington Town — have been dismissed from the ...
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    6 mins
  • Accident on County Rd 39 involving motorcycle caused closures around 6pm

    Accident on County Rd 39 involving motorcycle caused closures around 6pm
    Jul 31 2026
    Giunta's Meat Farms plans to acquire the King Kullen Grocery Co. Inc., an iconic, nearly century-old grocer that is the largest family-owned supermarket chain on Long Island.Tory N. Parrish reports in NEWSDAY that it will be King Kullen's second attempt at a sale in seven years, after a deal to be acquired by Stop & Shop was called off in 2020.An Oakdale-based grocer, Giunta's Meat Farms will acquire King Kullen's 24 supermarkets and its four Wild by Nature natural food stores, both companies announced yesterday.Both Giunta's and King Kullen are Long Island-based, family-owned grocers that got their starts in Queens. Founded in 1930, Hauppauge-based King Kullen markets itself as "America's first supermarket," a claim confirmed by the Smithsonian Institution."As we looked toward the future, it was important to us to identify a local company that understood what makes King Kullen so special," Tracey Cullen, the recently appointed president and chief operating officer of King Kullen Grocery Co., said in a statement. "We found that in family-owned Giunta's Meat Farms. They appreciate our history and our people," said Cullen, a great-granddaughter of King Kullen's founder, Michael J. Cullen.Founded in 1952, Giunta's has 10 stores on Long Island.Giunta's acquisition of King Kullen is expected to close in September, subject to "customary closing conditions," the companies said in the statement.Until the deal closes, both companies will continue to operate independently and conduct business as usual, they said. No employees are expected to be laid off, they said.The companies declined to answer several of Newsday's questions about the deal, including what the sale price is, why King Kullen is being sold, whether the King Kullen name will remain after the sale or what changes employees and customers should expect to see after the sale.***At this past Tuesday’s Sag Harbor Village Planning Board meeting, members of the public weighed in on a site plan application at 42 Bay Street, the site of a former single-family home that it now owned by the Maycroft Club, which plans to demolish the home there and build a new structure to serve as its headquarters.Cailin Riley reports on 27east.com that the Maycroft Club is essentially a spin-off organization of the Sag Harbor Yacht Club, and plans to operate as a membership-based nonprofit with activities centered on “educational programs, maritime history, fellowship and preservation of local tradition,” according to its mission statement.The residentially zoned property is directly across Bay Street from the yacht club and faces the parking lot of the American Legion and the back of 34 Bay Street, the commercial building that is home to the Sag Harbor Cycle Company and, until recently, GeekHampton.While many people at the meeting expressed support for the application, a handful of neighboring homeowners expressed opposition to the project and had hired lawyers to represent them. Attorney Jeff Bragman, hired by Frank Coniglio, spoke at length during public comment, taking issue with, among other things, the fact that the plan includes using three bedrooms in the structure as staff housing for workers at the Sag Harbor Yacht Club.“A club is not allowed to have this kind of housing for employees,” he added. “They’re allowed to have one living space for an owner or manager.”Tiffany Scarlato, who is representing the applicant, said the precedent for having a similar structure and setup already exists in the Village of Sag Harbor, in the form of The Church, the nonprofit arts and cultural center at 48 Madison Street that also includes a residency space for artists.Scarlato added, “The application is technically complete…Are there other questions and site plan issues? Of course. To me, this is just the beginning of the process, not the end.”The hearing was held open.***The Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt’s Sundays at Two program continues (this Sunday at 2 p.m.) with “Wild Long Island” with The Fish Guy, Chris Paparo at the Long Pond Greenbelt Nature Center in Bridgehampton.Discover the incredible diversity of wildlife that calls Long Island home. From the creatures of the land to the birds soaring above and the marine life beneath the waves, explore the rich and fascinating natural wonders that make Long Island a haven.Chris Paparo is a wildlife photographer, writer, and lecturer. Passionate about coastal ecology, fishing, and the outdoors, he manages the Marine Sciences Center at Stony Brook University, Southampton. Chris is an award-winning member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America.His presentation is this Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Long Pond Greenbelt Nature Center, 1061 Bridgehampton/Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton, N.Y.And enjoy refreshments and conversation after the talk.For more information call Dai Dayton, 631-745-0689. RSVP: info@longpondgreenbelt.org***Gov. Kathy Hochul sent a letter yesterday to President Donald Trump ...
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    10 mins
  • The Arts Center at Duck Creek in Springs has announced the return of its Family Night Series

    The Arts Center at Duck Creek in Springs has announced the return of its Family Night Series
    Jul 1 2026
    Massive changes are coming to the federal student loan system starting today, with fewer repayment options for many borrowers and new loan limits for parents, graduate students, part-time students and others.Maura McDermott reports in NEWSDAY that the new rules are part of President Donald Trump’s tax-and-spending legislation, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, approved last year by Congress. They’re expected to have a broad impact on Long Island and across the country, with nearly 43 million Americans holding $1.7 trillion in federal student debt.Federal education officials have said the changes are intended to simplify the student loan system, protect borrowers from excessive debt and reduce the cost of higher education. In congressional testimony in May, Department of Education secretary Linda McMahon called college costs “exorbitant” and said they must be reduced.In many cases, though, student debt experts said borrowers will face higher monthly payments, and the new loan limits could prompt some to take out higher-cost private loans.One of the biggest changes is the replacement of older programs such as the Biden-era Saving on a Valuable Education, or SAVE, plan, which linked monthly payments to income, with the lowest-earning borrowers having their payments reduced to zero.More than 7 million borrowers in the SAVE plan will be notified that they have 90 days to choose one of two new plans, said Michele Zampini, associate vice president for federal policy and advocacy at The Institute for College Access & Success. The new options are the standard plan, which does not take income into consideration, or the income-linked Repayment Assistance Plan, she said. RAP requires payments of up to 10% of a borrower’s adjusted gross income for 30 years.SAVE borrowers who do not apply for RAP will be placed in the standard plan.Even in the RAP plan, a family of four earning the national median income of about $80,000 could see monthly payments spike from $36 under SAVE to $440 under RAP, Zampini said. Two other plans, the Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) and Pay As You Earn (PAYE) plans, are also being phased out but not until 2028.Other changes that take effect today include a new $20,000 per year and $65,000 lifetime limit on Parent PLUS loans. Previously, parents could borrow up to the full cost of tuition.***The East Hampton Historical Society has spent the past six months restoring the Mulford Farmhouse on James Lane to how the structure looked in 1776, during the American Revolution.Jack Motz reports on 27east.com that in celebration of the semi-quincentennial, the historic structure — part of one of the most significant and intact colonial farmsteads in the nation — will reopen to the public this coming Saturday - the 4th of July.East Hampton Historical Society Executive Director Steve Long said the project was the first comprehensive interior restoration of the historic building since the Historical Society first acquired the structure in 1948.The restoration project was comprehensive and entailed major plaster repair, carpentry and painting. A paint analysis was done about 10 years ago, which first identified the finishes in the various rooms, allowing the Historical Society to recreate the paint from 250 years ago.Mulford Farm, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was originally built in 1680. The farmhouse has been left largely unchanged since the end of the 18th century, with much of the framing and wood beams in the house being left undisturbed.“By modern standards, it’s a tiny little house, but by 18th century standards, it was really one of the most outstanding houses here in East Hampton,” Long said.Those who want to see the new house can take a self-guided tour or a tour with historical society staff. On the tours, they will learn about the eight members of the Mulford family who lived there, according to the 1776 Suffolk County census, and they will learn about the eight enslaved people who lived on the farm.The guided tour will begin on July 4 at 3 p.m. and those interested are asked to meet at Home Sweet Home Museum. Throughout the summer, the Mulford Farmhouse will be open Thursday to Monday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.***The Arts Center at Duck Creek in Springs has announced the return of its Family Night Series, a summer of free arts, music and community programming.Beginning this coming Monday, July 6, and continuing weekly through August 10, Family Night will transform Duck Creek’s East Hampton campus into a lively community gathering space where residents and visitors can enjoy performances, hands-on activities, food and entertainment. Programs take place on Mondays from 5 to 7 p.m. and are free and open to all ages.The series opens July 6 with Goat on a Boat Puppet Theater, a longtime East End favorite known for inspiring creativity through puppetry and interactive workshops. Founder and puppeteer Liz Joyce will serve as host for all six...
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    10 mins
  • A blistering heat wave will strain Long Islanders' air conditioning systems this week.

    A blistering heat wave will strain Long Islanders' air conditioning systems this week.
    Jul 2 2026
    In the wake of the fifth modern U.S. Open held at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club last week, many are asking the same questions they’ve asked following the previous four in 1986, ’95, 2004, and 2018. Was the event a good thing for Southampton? For the South Fork? For anyone?Michael Wright reports on 27east.com that when the inconveniences of the tournament’s logistics start to fall onto local residents and business people — primarily due to its impact on local roadways — {although traffic through Southampton during tournament week was generally a little lighter than the customary early summer congestion} - it always triggers questioning of whether the event is “worth it” for those who live and work on the South Fork as they await the next U.S. Open...which now is 2036 for both men and women.In an area practically synonymous with summer escape for 20 million metro area urbanites, where second-home owners and the massive service network their seasonal residency requires is already nearly overwhelming, do we really need a worldwide boost of notoriety?After all, "The Hamptons" are already America's most celebrated summer resort community.Social media posts flourished with local complaints blaming the Open for commutes that were perceived to be even more miserable than usual — and continued this week, when the removal of the temporary pedestrian bridge over County Road 39 closed that roadway starting at 8 p.m. on Monday and left westbound traffic still crawling in much of greater Southampton until after 10:30 p.m.As might be predicted, restaurant owners and those in the food and beverage industries proved this year again to be the biggest fans of the event in the business community and said they saw their revenues soar during the tournament compared to a regular June week and weekend.“Our day business was probably down 10 to 15 percent, which I attribute to people’s concerns about even coming to Southampton that week, but in the evenings, from Sunday the 14th right through until that Monday after the tournament ended, we were up 20 to 25 percent, and each night was better than the last,” said Don Sullivan, owner of the Southampton Publick House on Jobs Lane. “On that Monday after the tournament, we were mobbed — double what we normally do. So for us it was a very positive increase in business.”“The vibe in the village was really great all week,” Southampton Village Mayor Bill Manger said. “I think, overall, the event was good for business in the village, in what is not always the busiest week during that period of June. I saw a lot of people in the village every day with their Shinnecock gear on.”***An air quality health advisory is in effect today for the Long Island and NYC Metro regions, where air will be unhealthy for sensitive groups.The extreme heat warning remains in effect through 9 p.m. tomorrow, for “dangerously hot conditions” with heat index values up to 112º, according to the National Weather Service said.An extreme heat watch is in effect for Saturday, when heat index values could reach 103º.Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside, the weather service said. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.Denise Civiletti reports on Riverheadlocal.com that seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at an increased risk. Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures.The Town of Riverhead will open the senior center at 60 Shade Tree Lane as a cooling center both today and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.Know the symptoms of heat illness. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which is a health emergency. Visit https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat-illness for more information.***Beth Young in EAST END BEACON tells us about some festive local happenings tonight and tomorrow.There will be fireworks this evening at both the Greenport Fire Department Carnival at the Moore’s Lane Polo Grounds, and at the North Sea Fire Department Carnival.There’s more music in East End parks tonight! Simply Stapleton, a tribute to Chris Stapleton, kicks off the Good Ground Park summer concert series in Hampton Bays this evening at 7 p.m. and the Nancy Atlas Project will be in Southampton’s Agawam Park at 6:30 p.m. And tomorrow, the Butterfly Effect Project at 1146 Main Road in Aquebogue, will hold an Independence Day Celebration with a free barbecue, activities for kids and honoring of local veterans.That’s Friday, the third of July…tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. More details are at bepgirls.org.***White-tailed deer have become overpopulated in many parts of Long Island, according to state wildlife managers, occupying suburban landscapes at such high densities that they have damaged some woodlands, played host to ticks, and caused hazards to themselves and to humans when they wander ...
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    10 mins
  • Southampton Village issed state of emergency following Saturday thunderstorms

    Southampton Village issed state of emergency following Saturday thunderstorms
    Jul 7 2026
    Southampton Village has issued a state of emergency in response to Saturday night’s thunderstorm that will remain in effect through Friday, July 10, at 9 a.m.A brush amnesty will be extended to village residents until Friday to allow for residents to put storm debris out for pickup as part of cleanup efforts from the storm.Dan Stark reports on 27east.com that Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine shared on Sunday afternoon that a local state of emergency was declared on Saturday night in response to the thunderstorm. The state of emergency will last 30 days in Suffolk County.PSEG Long Island said that it had restored power to over 23,600 customers who were affected by the semi quincentennial storm, which brought wind gusts as high as 84 mph, hail and heavy rain to Suffolk County. The update noted that eastern Suffolk County was the hardest hit.The Town of Southampton has issued a brush amnesty to residents until tomorrow - Wednesday, July 8 - to allow residents to dispose of storm debris to transfer stations as part of cleanup efforts from the storm, according to Southampton Town Councilwoman Cyndi McNamara.Meanwhile, Denise Civiletti reports on Riverheadlocal.com that the Alive on 25 Summer Block Party event scheduled for Thursday, July 9 has been postponed, Riverhead Town Supervisor Jerry Halpin announced yesterday.The decision to postpone the event came in consultation with event organizer Diane Tucci of Main Street Agency, the Town Board and Riverhead Police Chief Ed Frost, due to the widespread impacts of the July 4 storm and continuing rain, according to a press release issued by Halpin’s office last night.The postponement will give residents, vendors, and town staff extra time to handle storm recovery and allow utility crews to restore power to all residents.***A 6-year-old girl died Saturday morning of a presumed drowning after police said she fell into the waters of a fast-moving creek in Tuckahoe while trying to retrieve a lost shoe and was swept into the Great Peconic Bay.John Valenti reports in NEWSDAY that Southampton Town police said officers, including from the marine patrol, as well as Southampton firefighters and volunteer ambulance crews responded to a 911 call received at 8:09 a.m. Saturday about a possible drowning off a beach on Sebonac Inlet Road. Officers initiated CPR on the girl, identified as Kiara Paolasin, of Brooklyn, after she was pulled from the water unresponsive by a kayaker, police said.Despite those efforts, police said Kiara was transported to Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.Police said an initial investigation indicates the girl was at the beach with family members to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend. In an account based on witness information, police said, "The child went into the water to retrieve footwear that was floating away and slipped and got pulled into the current."According to police, a 16-year-old family member attempted to reach the girl, but was unable to do so due to the swift current.Police said family members were able to flag a kayaker in the area, who then paddled to the unresponsive girl and pulled her from the water.The investigation is ongoing with the Suffolk County Medical Examiner's Office to determine the cause of death. Detectives are asking anyone with information on the incident to call them at 631-702-2239 or 631-728-3454.Information can also be forwarded using the police email tip-line at crimetips@southamptontownny.gov.***As college application season approaches, the Amagansett Library is launching a new program to help local high school students navigate one of the most challenging parts of the admissions process: the personal essay.The library will offer free, individualized one-on-one college essay support from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, July 17; Friday, August 21; and Saturday, September 19. Students may reserve a time slot through the library’s website or simply drop in during program hours, as appointments are not required.Designed to meet students wherever they are in the writing process, the sessions will provide personalized guidance on every stage of the college essay, from brainstorming topics and organizing ideas to drafting, revising, editing and final proofreading.The volunteer-led program is intended to help students develop essays that authentically reflect their experiences while strengthening their writing and storytelling skills.The organizers hope the free service will make the college application process less intimidating while giving students the confidence to tell their unique stories in their own voices.By offering individualized assistance at no cost, the library aims to provide an accessible resource for students and families during a pivotal stage in the college admissions journey.***U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer recently announced a request for $273.5 million in funding for research of ticks and tickborne diseases in the 2027 federal budget. The initiative would add $90...
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    10 mins
  • The Suffolk County Water Authority is urgently requesting that East End residents, particularly in East Hampton, immediately reduce water usage.

    The Suffolk County Water Authority is urgently requesting that East End residents, particularly in East Hampton, immediately reduce water usage.
    Jul 3 2026
    No se trabajo!As the sign on Hill Steet in Southampton, USA declares - No work in the village this holiday weekend.With the 4th of July falling on Saturday this year, Independence Day for government workers and the financial community is being observed today – the 3rd of July - nationwide. Celebrations will still take place on Saturday.John Valenti in NEWSDAY provides some of what is open and closed across Long Island:Government officesFederal and state, as well as public schools and libraries, will be closed today. This includes the NYS DMV, Suffolk county courts and some county and local departments. Check https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/ for details.Mail and parcel servicePost offices will be open and there will be normal mail delivery today. Tomorrow there will be no mail delivery and post offices will be closed.Courier services like FedEx and UPS will have no service on Saturday — though UPS will operate normally Friday, while FedEx will offer modified service for some of its delivery categories.Most banks and the financial markets, including the New York Stock Exchange, will be closed today. ATMs, online banking and mobile banking services were expected to remain available regardless of branch hours.Most supermarkets, big box stores except Costco and shopping malls will be open, although some will operate on modified hours.TransportationThe Long Island Rail Road announced off-peak fares will be in effect systemwide the entire weekend. The LIRR will operate on a modified weekday schedule Friday, but will feature "early getaway" afternoon trains out of Penn Station and Atlantic Terminal. The LIRR said it would operate on normal Saturday and Sunday schedules.Hampton Jitney offers expansive schedule options throughout this weekend for its deluxe motor coach express service between the east end and NYC.The MTA has added enhanced afternoon and evening subway service to its major lines on Saturday to accommodate crowds for the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Show.***The Suffolk County Water Authority is urgently requesting that East End residents, particularly in East Hampton, immediately reduce water usage. “Water demand is approaching record levels due to severe drought conditions and a forecasted heat wave,” SCWA stated in a release yesterday. As reported on 27east.com, SCWA noted that the utility currently has two public water supply wells offline in East Hampton and two additional wells operating on emergency protocol only. “The loss of these two offline wells removes 8% of the total water production capacity in the area, significantly hindering the ability to meet peak summer demand,” SCWA stated. “With high overnight and early morning water use driven by irrigation systems, water storage tanks are beginning the day at low levels and require more time to refill. Low tank levels reduce system pressure, which lowers water flow to homes and limits water availability for fire protection.”SCWA is collaborating with Suffolk County to ensure that water pressure is maintained through this holiday weekend. “As we face extreme heat and dry conditions, I urge all East End residents to conserve water whenever possible,” Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said. “Simple steps taken today will help protect our water supply and ensure this vital resource remains available for our communities throughout the summer.”SCWA is asking residents to only water their lawns if absolutely necessary and to take practical steps to conserve water indoors. East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez added: “East Hampton is being asked to pull together right now. I am imploring residents, businesses, and visitors to skip lawn watering unless it is absolutely necessary, follow the odd-even schedule, and avoid watering between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The town is doing its part by cutting back on outdoor water use at our facilities, and we are grateful to the Suffolk County Water Authority and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine for working with us to protect public safety, and fire protection through the holiday weekend.”For details and indoor and outdoor water-saving methods, visit scwa.com/conservation.***Beth Young reports in EAST END BEACON that tonight is First Friday on Love Lane in Mattituck — the street will be closed to vehicles, shops will remain open late and street vendors will take over Mattituck’s historic shopping district from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Then tomorrow, the 4th of July, the kickoff concert of the Mattituck Park District’s summer concert series — The Eagle River Band, an Eagles tribute band, will play from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Veteran’s Beach.Also, on the north fork tomorrow, the Old Town Arts & Crafts Guild holds its Fine Arts, Crafts & Antique Fair on the Cutchogue Village Green from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.***As Long Island is about to celebrate America’s semi-quincentennial this weekend, Suffolk County officials yesterday ignited a vehicle using pyrotechnics to demonstrate ...
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    10 mins
  • Riverhead Town to step up parking enforcement downtown

    Riverhead Town to step up parking enforcement downtown
    Jul 8 2026
    Delays in the construction of new sidewalks along nearly three miles of Noyac Road have pushed the roadwork into July and caused headaches for motorists on some days, but the work is nearing completion and will be a major improvement for residents of the region that is already being well used, Southampton Town officials say.Michael Wright reports on 27east.com that the project was originally scheduled to be completed by the end of June, but the contractors have about a half-mile of sidewalks to go. The work requires that one lane of traffic be closed off, with the other lane used to allow cars to pass in alternating directions.The contractors have been wrapping up work each day before 3 p.m. to avoid impacting the heaviest trade parade traffic, but during the run-up to the July Fourth holiday last week the closures still meant long backups of cars on Noyac Road.“July Fourth weekend and they’re building a sidewalk — really?” one commuter, Debbie King, a Center Moriches resident, said in a message to a reporter last week with a photo of the resultant traffic jam through the windshield of her car, at about 2 p.m. on July 2. “Are they actually trying to torture us LOL?”Southampton Town Highway Superintendent Charlie McArdle knows that King and other commuters are not actually LOL-ing about the headaches of traffic delays from the project but said that the relatively minor inconveniences caused by the work will be over soon and could have been much worse.“The company that we picked to do this work is the best, the fastest and the most efficient company that is available for us to use — they are a huge company and we picked them on purpose because they have the resources to do it as fast as possible,” McArdle said of Rosemar Construction, the East Moriches contractor that won the $1.5 million contract from the town to build the sidewalk along Noyac Road.The sidewalk project has been in the planning for more than four years and is something that members of the Noyac community have asked for repeatedly for many years, Southampton Town Councilman Michael Iasilli said.***A Southampton man has been arrested, charged with reckless operation of a vessel, failure to report an accident involving personal injury and other counts after New York State Police said he crashed his boat into a jetty in Sag Harbor on Monday night, seriously injuring two passengers.Police said the operator, identified as Peter Mangiameli, 57, also left the scene while those passengers were receiving medical attention.John Valenti reports in NEWSDAY that the two passengers, whose identities were not released, were transported to a hospital for treatment of injuries that police said included a broken rib, leg fracture and vertebrae fracture. Their conditions were not reported yesterday.State police said Sag Harbor Village police received a report at 10:07 p.m. Monday that a boat had struck the jetty in Sag Harbor Bay.Investigators determined Mangiameli was operating a 2023 35-foot cruise boat from the bay into the harbor when the vessel struck the stone jetty causing what police described as "significant damage." There were eight passengers aboard the vessel, police said.Police said after the collision Mangiameli docked the boat but then left the scene. It was not immediately clear who notified police of the collision.Police said the investigation remained ongoing and asked anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who had additional information to contact them at 631-756-3300.***The Southampton Hospital Foundation has announced that award-winning journalist and bestselling author Katie Couric will moderate a conversation with internationally renowned model, advocate and Every Mother Counts founder and President Christy Turlington Burns during the foundation’s sixth annual East Hampton Emergency Department Luncheon tomorrow morning.Couric will appear in place of Brooke Shields at the fundraising event, which will be held as scheduled at the Maidstone Club in East Hampton.Thursday’s luncheon will benefit the Stony Brook East Hampton Emergency Department, supporting continued access to high-quality emergency care for residents and visitors on the East End.Registration begins at 10:30 a.m., with the program starting promptly at 11 a.m. A limited number of tickets remain available. For more information or to purchase tickets, email alexa.schultheis@stonybrookmedicine.edu or call 631-726-8700, option 1, extension 3.***East Hampton Town officials could seek court intervention over the installation — or construction, perhaps — of a large piece of art made of shipping containers at the former cow pasture turned high-end art gallery in Montauk known as “The Ranch,” most of which is agricultural reserve.Jack Motz reports on 27east.com that a split East Hampton Town Board this week gave the town attorney’s office the green light to pursue legal action against the owner of the property at 8 Old Montauk Highway, which got ...
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    10 mins
  • Riverhead shopping center was without power until late Tuesday afternoon; Hampton Library celebrates major renovations

    Riverhead shopping center was without power until late Tuesday afternoon; Hampton Library celebrates major renovations
    Jul 9 2026
    The owner of a Riverhead shopping center that lost power during Saturday’s storms said their electricity wasn’t restored until late Tuesday afternoon, costing some businesses thousands of dollars.Maureen Mullarkey reports in NEWSDAY that Joe Tosini, owner of River Center Shopping Center at Ostrander Avenue and Old Country Road in Riverhead, said full power was restored Tuesday around 5:40 p.m. after a "frustrating" experience of getting in contact with PSEG Long Island."These tenants here lost their livelihood, and I'm the owner, so my responsibility is to make sure that I help them get their power back on," Tosini said.The Saturday night storm left thousands without power on Sunday and roads closed to traffic because of downed trees and utility lines.Tosini said the power went out after a tree fell onto power and electric cables. The storm caused bricks to fall from the building’s corner onto the pavement.A photo Tosini took afterward showed the tree blocking traffic in both directions on Ostrander Avenue, its branches taller than a PSEG worker standing in front of it.By Wednesday morning, PSEG had removed the tree from the road, but Riverhead police closed Ostrander Avenue between the property’s entrance and an entrance of a neighboring shopping center due to exposed and downed wires.PSEG Long Island released a statement yesterday saying it had "completed the work to repower the area on Monday. In order to reenergize the shopping center, the owners' electrician must be present to safely restore power. This coordination took place on Tuesday. Safety is a number one priority for PSEG Long Island and it recognizes that being without power for any length of time is a hardship for its customers."More than 11,600 customers across Long Island had no electricity just before noon Sunday. By Monday night, PSEG Long Island reported more than 3,000 customers without power.***Today at 12 Noon WLIW-FM’s Brian Cosgrove welcomes to our studio Anthony Mason - CBS news' Senior Culture Correspondent to talk about his new independent you tube show "Alchemy" - in depth conversations about the creative process which debuted in May. So far Anthony has spoken with Paul Simon, Hozier, Nile Rodgers & Brittany Howard with more shows to come. Anthony Mason is also a long time resident of Southampton. That’s today at 12 noon when Mr. Mason visits WLIW FM’s Brian Cosgrove right here on 88. 3 FM, 96.9 FM in western Suffolk, and 88.7 FM in Montauk. Also, on our WLIW FM app and on line at WLIWFM.org.***Southampton Arts Center’s outdoor grounds and arboretum have been transformed into a vibrant oasis. Dan Stark reports on 27east.com that the grounds on the north side of Jobs Lane are now renamed the Paulson Family Gardens in honor of John Paulson, a hedge fund manager and Southampton Village resident who provided a $3.4 million gift to the center that paved the way for the renovations. The grounds go back to the final years of the 19th century, when they were initially designed in 1898 after being commissioned by Samuel Parrish, the future namesake of the Parrish Art Museum. Paulson explained at last Friday’s opening ceremony that two years ago, he and his wife, Alina de Almeida, were in the midst of another park renovation project and while they were walking through the village one day, she took note of the gardens at the center and suggested turning his attention there, telling him that the space needed “some local care and some refreshment.” When Paulson approached the center about the idea, Simone Levinson, the chairwoman of the center’s board of directors, was immediately receptive and began meeting with village officials to get the necessary approvals to do the work.The Southampton Arts Center worked with landscape architect Chris LaGuardia of the LaGuardia Design Group to redesign the 2.7-acre grounds. Among the changes introduced are a new fountain on the west side, new flower plantings and moving certain trees to new areas.Tish Rehill, the president of Gardeneering Inc., was brought in to work on specifics of the garden. She said she wanted to continue Parrish’s original mission of introducing new plants to the area and noted that “you can do color and texture with just leaves.”***The Greenport Village Board is considering implementing resident parking permits in 2027 for the village parking lots that now require hourly payment near the center of the village.The move came after backlash from residents over the expansion this summer of the village’s paid parking program.The board discussed implementing the resident passes at a special meeting last evening.Beth Young reports in EAST END BEACON that they received a smattering of mixed reaction from the public.Greenport Village Treasurer Adam Brautigam told attendees at the meeting that if the village issued 1,430 parking passes at a rate of $40 per pass it would generate $57,000 in revenue in 2027.He based those figures on the assumption that the...
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